LEGEND OF THE SCREECH OWL

THE LEGEND OF THE SCREECH OWL

A long time ago an Ainu went to the mountains to hunt, and while there he saw a bird. It was white in color, and very beautiful. It was also very large. The Ainu therefore hastened to make some inaw (wood shaving offering) out of a bush near by and offered them to him with prayer.

After this he fell asleep and had a dream. In his dream he saw a man clothed in pure white who came to him and said, " Listen to me you made inaw out of a shrub and offered them to me. I thank you very much indeed for hem. Henceforth I will bring you good luck in hunting: I will also command my children and they shall direct you to where the animals are to be found and shall also warn you when danger is near."

Upon this the man awoke and it was mid-night and still quite dark. After a short time a bird came and sat upon his inaw and gave a most beautiful hoot. By-and-by the Ainu got up and, thinking over the bird's hoots in connection with his dream, worshipped God.

When it became daylight he set out on a hunting expedition, and very soon came across and killed a great number of deer. He was thus able to feed the people of his village. Therefore the name of this bird became hash inaw koro kamui, " the deity who has bush fetich," and isho sange kamui, " the deity who gives success in hunting." He has the name yuk chikap kamui, " the divine deer bird," given him because he hoots when deer are close by.'   (Bachelor 1901)

True or false

The owl is important for hunting deer.  If so, how and why?

The hunter must behave properly toward the owl.

The owl is an integral part of family and kotan  economics.  How?